Large campaign contributions influence policies of elected officials "a great deal," 59 percent of Connecticut voters say in a Quinnipiac College Poll released today. Another 35
percent say large contributions influence elected officials "a moderate amount."

Eliminating private campaign contributions in favor of public financing would be "very effective in reducing the influence of special interests in politics," 24 percent of Connecticut
voters tell the independent Quinnipiac College Poll, while 46 percent say it would be "somewhat effective;" 14 percent say it would be "not very effective," and 12 percent say it would be "not effective at all."

Fifty percent of Connecticut voters favor creating a special fund to pay for the campaigns of all candidates, while 41 percent oppose the idea. Democrats support the idea 59 - 32 percent, while Republicans oppose it 49 - 43 percent, and independent voters support the measure 50 - 41 percent.

"Republican presidential candidate John McCain is the clear leader among Connecticut voters, who also feel strongly that he is correct on the issue of big money buying big influence
in politics," said Quinnipiac College Poll Director Douglas Schwartz.

"College-educated voters and voters 45 and over are more likely to support public funding of campaigns."

"Although Gov. Rowland's choice for President, George W. Bush, is dropping in the polls, the Governor's approval rating continues to be very strong. Rowland gets positive marks from every demographic group, Democrats and Republicans, men and women, young and old," Schwartz said.

"As he heads into his reelection campaign, Sen. Lieberman has tied his highest approval rating at 73 percent."

From February 9 - 15, Quinnipiac College surveyed 1,365 Connecticut voters, with a margin of error of +/- 2.7 percent. The Quinnipiac College Poll conducts public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as a public service and for research.
For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu

1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way John Rowland is handling his
job as Governor of Connecticut?

40. I would like to ask you a few questions about the way candidates
raise money to run for the state legislature and statewide offices.
In order to eliminate the funding of campaigns by large private donations
and organized interest groups, do you favor or oppose the state government
creating a special fund to pay for the campaigns for all candidates?

41. Suppose private contributions to political campaigns were eliminated and
the government funded political campaigns. How effective do you think such a
system would be in reducing the influence of special interests in politics
-- very effective, somewhat effective, not very effective, or not effective
at all?

42. How much do you think large campaign contributions influence the policies
supported by elected officials? Would you say they influence elected officials
-- a great deal, a moderate amount, not much, or not at all?